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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a living trust?
A living trust is a legal document that holds your assets during your lifetime and automatically transfers them to your beneficiaries when you die—without going through probate court. You maintain full control of your assets while alive, and your family avoids the 12-18 month probate process that costs thousands in California.
Unlike a will, a living trust provides immediate asset transfer, complete privacy, and protection if you become incapacitated. For California homeowners, it's the single most effective way to protect your family from probate.
Do I need a living trust in California?
You need a living trust in California if you own real estate or have assets over $184,500. California requires probate for any real estate regardless of value, and the process costs $15,000-$50,000+ while taking 12-18 months. A $400-500 trust saves your family significant money, time, and stress.
Even if your estate is under $184,500, a trust provides incapacity protection, privacy, and peace of mind that simplified probate cannot match.
How much does a living trust cost in California?
Online living trusts cost $150-$600 for complete packages with attorney review. Traditional attorneys charge $1,500-$5,000. Living Trust California offers attorney-reviewed trusts for $400-500, saving you thousands compared to traditional attorneys while providing the same legal protection.
Compare this to probate costs of $15,000-$50,000+, and a living trust provides 3,000-10,000% return on investment by avoiding probate entirely.
What's the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will requires probate court (12-18 months, $15,000-$50,000 in California), becomes public record, and only takes effect after death. A living trust avoids probate entirely, remains private, transfers assets in days, and protects you during incapacity. For California homeowners, a trust saves significant time and money.
You need both: a trust for asset management and probate avoidance, plus a pour-over will to name guardians for minor children and catch any forgotten assets.
Can I create a living trust online?
Yes, creating a living trust online is legal, safe, and effective for most California families. Online services provide attorney-reviewed documents, step-by-step guidance, and complete packages for $150-$600 versus $1,500-$5,000 for traditional attorneys. The documents are legally identical and equally valid in California courts.
Choose online if you have a straightforward estate. Choose an attorney if you have a blended family, business interests, or assets over $5 million requiring complex tax planning.
How long does it take to create a living trust?
Online living trusts take 15-30 minutes to complete the questionnaire, with documents generated instantly. Traditional attorneys require 2-4 weeks of appointments, drafting, and revisions. Most people complete the entire online process—including signing, notarizing, and funding—within 1-3 days versus 4-8 weeks with attorneys.
The key is acting now rather than delaying. Every day without a trust puts your family at risk of expensive probate if something unexpected happens.
What happens if I die without a living trust in California?
If you die without a trust in California and own property or have assets over $184,500, your estate goes through probate: 12-18 months, $15,000-$50,000+ in fees, public record, court control, and family stress during an already difficult time. California has some of the highest probate costs in the nation.
Your family cannot access assets, sell property, or distribute inheritances until probate completes. A $400-500 trust prevents all of this, providing immediate access and private distribution within days.